Nursing Elites

1. A discharge planning nurse is making arrangements for a client with an epidural catheter for continuous infusion of opioids to be placed in a long-term care facility. The family prefers a facility in its neighborhood to facilitate visiting. The neighborhood facility has never cared for a client with this type of need. What is the most appropriate action by the discharge planning nurse?

• A. Arrange for immediate in-services for the long-term care facility staff on pain management using epidural catheters.
• B. Explain the situation to the client and family and seek another long-term care facility for discharge from the hospital.
• C. Encourage the family to hire private duty nurses skilled in epidural catheter pain management to allow the client to be transferred to the neighborhood facility.
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority is the safety and well-being of the client. The neighborhood facility's lack of experience in caring for a client with an epidural catheter for continuous opioid infusion raises concerns about the quality of care they can provide. Therefore, the most appropriate action for the discharge planning nurse is to explain the situation to the client and family and seek another long-term care facility that can provide the necessary care. Option A, arranging for immediate in-services, may not be feasible or timely, considering the urgent need for appropriate care. Option C, encouraging the family to hire private duty nurses, does not ensure the facility's overall capability to manage the client's complex needs. Option D, 'None of the above,' is not the best choice as the client's safety should be the priority in this situation.

2. A client is complaining of difficulty walking secondary to a mass in the foot. The nurse should document this finding as:

• A. Plantar fasciitis.
• B. Hallux valgus.
• C. Hammertoe.
• D. Morton's neuroma.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma is a small mass or tumor in a digital nerve of the foot, causing symptoms such as pain and difficulty walking. Hallux valgus is commonly known as a bunion and involves the deviation of the big toe towards the other toes. Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes are bent in a claw-like position. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the arch of the foot, not typically associated with a mass causing difficulty walking.

3. A nurse discusses staff empowerment with the nursing team. The nurse explains that staff empowerment has which function?

• A. Fosters the growth of others so that they are less dependent on the leader
• B. Means that the staff has the power to reprimand and punish any individual who is not meeting the standards of care delivery
• C. Indicates that the nurse leader will make decisions regarding the nursing unit and expects that the staff will comply with the changes
• D. Allows the staff to make every decision regarding employee scheduling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Staff empowerment fosters the growth of others and facilitates their development so that they are less dependent on their leader. This empowerment is about enhancing skills and autonomy, not about reprimanding or punishing others (Choice B). Empowerment involves shared decision-making and autonomy, not unilateral decision-making by the leader (Choice C). Moreover, staff empowerment does not mean that staff should make every decision regarding operational aspects like employee scheduling (Choice D). It is primarily focused on developing individuals' capabilities and fostering independence within the team.

4. Which of the following neurological disorders is characterized by writhing, twisting movements of the face and limbs?

• A. epilepsy
• B. Parkinson's
• C. multiple sclerosis
• D. Huntington's chorea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Huntington's chorea is characterized by writhing, twisting movements of the face and limbs, known as chorea. This disorder is caused by a genetic mutation affecting specific brain cells. Epilepsy presents with seizures, Parkinson's with tremors and rigidity, and multiple sclerosis with central nervous system issues. The specific description of writhing and twisting movements aligns with Huntington's chorea, making it the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they describe different neurological disorders with distinct symptoms that do not match the writhing, twisting movements characteristic of Huntington's chorea.

5. A nurse is taking a morning break with the unit secretary in the nurses' lounge. The unit secretary says to the nurse, 'I read in Mr. Gage's medical record that he has gonorrhea.' How should the nurse respond to the secretary?

• A. Yes, he does, but be sure not to discuss this with anyone else.
• B. Yes, that's why we've imposed contact precautions.
• C. We can't discuss a client's medical condition.
• D. Oh, really? I didn't see that!

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A client's medical condition is confidential and should never be discussed with anyone other than the client and the client's healthcare provider. Therefore, the nurse must tell the unit secretary that the client's condition is not to be discussed. Choices A and B confirm the client's disease, which is inappropriate as it breaches patient confidentiality. Choice D promotes further discussion of the client's condition, which is also inappropriate. The correct response is to firmly state, 'We can't discuss a client's medical condition,' to uphold patient privacy and confidentiality.

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